TESOL College FAQs

• Why must I have a TESOL qualification to teach English?
• What can I expect from my teaching contract?
• How long is the course?
• What will I learn in the TESOL course?
• How do I register and pay for courses?
• Where are most Australians teaching overseas?
• Why is the demand for English teachers growing worldwide?
• Are there opportunities to practise teaching in Australia / New Zealand?
• What are visa requirements to teach English overseas?

Why must I have a TESOL qualification to teach English?

The ability to speak English does not automatically qualify you to teach the English language. TESOL certification is required by the majority of schools internationally and is the most recognised ESL certification.

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What can I expect from my teaching contract?

• A full month's salary as a bonus for completing a 12 month contract
• Additional 1-2 month's salary as a bonus if you sign on for another year
• Accommodation in some cases
• Airfare coverage in some cases (1 way ticket for 6 month contract, return ticket for 12 month contract or ticket to country of choice)
• 50% medical coverage in almost all cases (sometimes full coverage depending on country)
• Other bonuses such as transportation to work, furnishings and use of a computer
• Paid holidays and sick days

* This is a guideline only; conditions depend on your contract with the school and vary from country to country.

How long is the course?

The Standard TESOL Certificate course is a 60-hour course undertaken via distance learning or 28 hours in class and the remaining hours for assigned reading.

The Standard TESOL Certificate course must be undertaken along with at least one specialisation course to complete the TESOL certificate. Specialisation courses are 60hrs long for each course and are undertaken via distance learning.

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What will I learn in the TESOL course?

• Teaching techniques and ideas
• How to keep your classes alive, fun and effective
• How to interact with students and keep their interest
• How to be comfortable as a teacher
• How to apply for jobs
• How to travel safely

How do I register and pay for courses?

Contact a SEEK student advisor on 1800 891 011 (Australia) or 0800 170 252 (New Zealand) or fill out the inquiry form and a SEEK Learning consultant will contact you at your convenience. Payment can be made by cheque, credit card or bank deposit.

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Where are most Australians teaching overseas?

75% Asia
10% Europe
10% Latin America
5% Middle East & Africa

Source: TESOL College Graduates

Why is the demand for English teachers growing worldwide?

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) made English one of the official languages of international trade
• English is the most widely used language on the world wide web
• English is the global language in business, tourism and IT
• English speakers have more opportunities for completing education/degrees overseas

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Are there opportunities to practise teaching in Australia / New Zealand?

• Community Centres
• State Libraries
• Ring local councils to see if there are programs to tutor migrants
• Approach Language schools to be a teaching volunteer

What are visa requirements to teach English overseas?

It depends on the country. It is best to contact the relevant consulate (visit www.dfat.gov.au ).

Generally for all countries you need a working visa. University degrees in any discipline are required to get visas from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and countries in Western Europe.

Additionally, for Western Europe you also need access to a European Union (EU) passport to work for more than 3 months at a time (which is the working holiday arrangement).